New bike path for Swanbourne
8 September 2003
A new shared use path that runs from Grant Street train station in Cottesloe through to the Swanbourne train station has been officially opened by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Planning and Infrastructure Minister, Ken Travers.
Mr Travers said the new path, built at a cost of $1,145,000, would bring benefits to cyclists and pedestrians alike.
"This new facility will overcome a significant safety problem for cyclists at the very busy intersection of Curtin Avenue and West Coast Highway by permitting cyclists to stay on a dedicated path and bypass the intersection completely," Mr Travers said.
"It also creates a safer ride by separating cyclists from vehicle traffic in the busy Swanbourne Shopping precinct."
The shared path is part of the Perth Bicycle Network, which had been established to provide safe, accessible routes for cyclists throughout metropolitan Perth.
Funding to construct the shared use path was provided from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure's Perth Bicycle Network Stage Two program, and the project was delivered in a cross-agency partnership between the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, Main Roads WA and the Public Transport Authority.
Mr Travers said the path was constructed in conjunction with the upgrade of the Swanbourne train station.
"Improvements to the Swanbourne train station include a raised platform surface to reduce the existing gap between the platform and trains, new lighting and security cameras," Mr Travers said.
"An innovative design has also been used in bringing the shared use path to the train station - the overpass also happens to be the station shelter.
"By incorporating the works under one contract, and having the works carried out simultaneously, inconvenience to commuters has been minimised and overall construction costs have been reduced.
"This facility is a tangible demonstration of the Government's commitment to improving road safety for cyclists and providing sustainable transport infrastructure.
"Increasing cycling and walking as alternative modes of commuting and recreation is an important part of the State Government's transport strategies, and the provision of shared paths is an important part of growing communities, providing safe access for cyclists, pedestrians, and also users with disabilities, to busy areas such as schools, shopping areas and recreational facilities."